September / October 2014 Samhain / Nollaig CÉAL ILE TheS Newsletter of the Cooley-Keegan Branch ofE Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Events this Month Wren Boys 2014 Comhaltas Night with Live Irish Music - CCÉ This year’s Wren Boys festivities will start at normally hosts a night of dancing at the UICC on 6:30pm on Friday December 26th at the Murphy the third Saturday of the month. For the holiday Residence, 1959 17th Avenue between Ortega season these will be replaced by the West Region and Pacheco Streets in San Francisco. Volunteer Céilí on November 15th and the Christmas Céilí on drivers are appreciated. December 7th. See attached flyers for details. Our normal schedule will resume in January 2015. Dressed mostly like farmers in disguises of all kinds, we will be visiting houses and pubs, dancing sets San Francisco - On Thursdays, CCÉ hosts and céilí dances and perhaps singing a chorus or classes at the UICC starting at 7:30pm followed by two of Irish and/or Christmas songs. We will recite more dancing at the Plough & Stars until midnight the Wren verse: -- except for the first Thursday of the month when there is no class, dancing is at the Plough & Stars The wren, the wren, from 8-11pm. $5 donation suggested. Contact: the king of all birds, Josephine Brogan at josephinebrogan@yahoo. On St . Stephen’s Day com or (415) 681-4803. was caught in the furze
South Bay/ Peninsula - On Tuesdays we meet at From bush to bush Lilly Mac’s in Sunnyvale. Lessons: 7:30pm; Dance And tree to tree to live music 8-10pm. $5 donation suggested. Info: On Donoughmore Cross Michael Murphy at (415) 999-6062. He broke his knee We brought him here North Bay - Mary McDonagh and Micheal To the holly bush Minihane teach set dancing on the second and Holly and I are well set up fourth Fridays of the month at Brosnan School of And the man of the house Irish Dance from 7-9pm. There is a $5 donation Is in very good luck. suggested for this class. Tea and cakes or sweets will be served. Contact: Mary McDonagh at I have a little pot [email protected] or Micheal Minihane Under me arm [email protected]. A penny or two Will do it no harm. East Bay - Céilí dancing is hosted at the Starry Up with the kettle Plough in Berkeley on Mondays. Lessons from 7- And down with the pan 9pm and dancing to live music from 9-11pm. Contact: Give us a penny John Slaymaker at [email protected]. To bury the wren. See calendar page for address, phone number For more information contact Michael Murphy at and web page for all venues. (415) 999-6062.
Founded in 1951, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is Ireland’s Premiere Cultural Movement. When you join Comhaltas, you join people in more than 400 branches worldwide in support of the traditional Irish Arts of Music, Dance and Language. We welcome new members. Please contact the Membership Secretary for membership information or visit us on the web at http://sf.ccewest.org CCÉ West Region - Music, Song and Dance
The West Region Annual General Meeting, hosted by the SF Cooley-Keegan Branch will be held at the United Irish Cultural Center on Saturday, November 15th. The SF Cooley-Keegan, Phoenix Four Peaks Irish Arts and Puget Sound CCÉ make up the U.S. West Region of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. We meet once a year to discuss matters relevant to our branches in Comhaltas, to get re-acquainted and have some fun!!!!! We will have Tom Connor and Mary Hill Connor from the Phoenix Branch, and Jim Belcher from Seattle. Please make plans to attend. All members are welcome to the AGM (Annual General Meeting). Events for Saturday, November 15th: 1pm-3pm -- West Region AGM - St. Francis Room - UICC 4pm-8pm -- Informal music/song session at UICC bar /main dining room area. All Welcome, there is no cover charge. 5pm -- Group dinner -- set menu with 3 selections; set price to be paid with reservation in advance. Everyone pays for their own drinks and dessert. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Joannie O’Leary at (415) 664-6579 or [email protected]. Dinner reservation deadline is November 14th at noon. There is a maximum of 30 places for dinner, so call early! 8pm-11pm -- We will have our November Night céilí with Miliosa & Rich Lundy and Friends’ Band with set and céilí dancing in the St. Francis Room. Bring your dance shoes! See flyer. Members and friends are very welcome to the dinner, session and céilí. Song and Storytelling Memorial Scholarship The next Singing and Storytelling Seisiún will The Cooley-Keegan Branch of Comhaltas is be hosted by Marian and Greg McKenna on th honored to be remembered with a scholarship November 7 named for the late Mike Hughes. 777 San Antonio Rd. #31 Palo Alto (650) 776-6543 A native of Crossboyne, Co. Mayo, Mike left [email protected] Ireland at age 15. In his adventurous life, he
th lived in England, Boston, SF and Berkeley. The December Seisiún is on the 5 and will be Mike was a Master Carpenter who volunteered hosted by Imelda White 275 Lassen Avenue his talents by building schools in Nicaragua Mountain View and bringing much-needed medicines to far, (650) 964-7643 outlying regions for many years. Mike never [email protected] forgot his County Mayo origin and shared his love of Irish music and language with his For those that plan months ahead, on January 2nd Bill & Perry Frantz are hosts: family. 16345 Englewood Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95032 Mike Hughes passed away on June 9, 2014 (408) 356-8506 and a celebration of his life was held on July [email protected] 27th at the Starry Plough in Berkeley. Mike is survived by his wife, Frances (Co Clare), CCÉ Classes their five children and a legion of family and friends. CCÉ sponsors the following classes at the UICC: We extend our sympathy to all Mike’s family Children’s Tin Whistle Children’s Fiddle and thank them for the generous tribute to Adult Tin Whistle him. This scholarship will be awarded to two students in our Irish Language Program. Adult Irish Language Class: A new course began October 18th; Eight Saturdays, UICC. For more information, please contact Josephine Brogan at [email protected] or (415) 681-4803. Pre-registration and payment is required to secure a place for all classes. Member News
Heartiest Congratulations to our own Harold Jones who danced his way to his 87th Birthday last September 21st!!! Keep on smiling and dancing Harold!!!
Sending our best wishes and continued prayers to Judi Milligan – hoping to see both you and Lew soon!!
We are so pleased that the United Irish Societies has named one of our own as an Honorary Grand Marshall in the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The late Pat Joyce is in our thoughts often. Pat will be remembered with love with a special entry in the parade and at the special activities of the St. Patrick’s weekend.
We are also keeping our friend, Bill Ngai in our prayers and thoughts as he lost his father and aunt in the past months.
Your friends at CCÉ wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to our longtime member and supporter Brian Cleary at the passing of his dear mother, Mary Cleary, August 27, 2014 in Ireland. Brian, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Johnny and Sue Sweeney were part of the core of our Cooley-Keegan Branch since our first SF convention in April 1995. Through the early years they would make the long trek from Ben Lomond and home again to attend our monthly céilís. John was ready with his fiddle and Sue brought her delicious tea brack. Both were always delighted to help wherever needed.
Before moving to the Bay Area, while serving in the US Navy, 1954-1959, Johnny spent one assignment in Northern Ireland, where he developed a great love of Ireland and traditional Irish Music. Johnny was a skilled Irish fiddler and played with several bands over the years. He and Sue hardly ever missed a Comhaltas Convention and sometimes headed off to Ireland or on a cruise afterwards. Many a ‘seasoned’ or aspiring fiddler sought Johnny out at the conventions and he was always keen to join them ‘for a tune’…which could last most of the night! At our local events, Johnny eagerly met with his musician friends to play for our dancing. Even in the last few years as his health declined, he was happy to join a seisun and greet friends both in the pub and in their new home in Scotts Valley. Sadly, Johnny passed away on September 19th and was warmly remembered in a memorial mass by family and many friends. The Comhaltas Family extends their sincere sympathy to Sue and to Aine, Mick, Shuana and Patrick in the loss of this kind gentleman. May he rest in peace. Membership Corner
IT’S TIME AGAIN TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP - Our Membership runs from January 1 to Dec 31st. Single Membership: $40.00. Multi-membership (2 or more in household or a family): $50.00 If you receive your Scéal Eile by mail, a membership form is attached here for your convenience. If you received the Scéal by email Josephine will send you an email. Here are the ways you can renew: •Renew on-line through our website and remit payment through PayPal: sf.ccewest.org •Renew on-line through our website and send your check to our PO Box (we do not bill); •Complete your membership form and either give it to Josephine at dancing or mail it with your check to our PO Box. If you have any questions, please contact Joannie at (415) 664-6579 or [email protected]; or talk with Josephine at dancing. Thank you for your support Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeltachta
The 16th annual Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeltachta (San Francisco Irish Language Immersion Weekend) took place September 26-28, 2014, and its especially gala atmosphere made it one of the best ever. Seated, L to R, are teachers Liam Ó Cuinneagáin (1st level), Bairbre Ní Chiardha (3rd Level), Ray Mac Mánais (4th Level), and Brian Ó Broin (2nd level). Second row, 3rd from left is our Treoraí na Gaeilge, Nikki Ragsdale, who puts together this event. The 47 students who took part included 16 beginners and 16 in the advanced class! General Meetings General Meetings of the Membership are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at the UICC. The next ones will be on CCÉ has a Facebook group where we can share November 4th and December 2nd. photos, ask questions and generally discuss all things Irish music and dance. In the search field This is a members’ meeting and all are at the top of your facebook page enter Cooley- Keegan Branch, select it from the list of choices encouraged to attend in order to plan and join the group. future activities. Or, you can enter the following URL: http://www.facebook.com/groups/316504905030686/ Halloween at the Plough and Stars
Halloween at the Plough and Stars had a Wizard of Oz theme. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Fearless Lion provided the entertainment. Queen Maeve, the good and evil witches together with the monkey and the geisha girl danced. A grand time was had by all. SAMHAIN 2014 DÉ DOMHNAIGH DÉ LUAN DÉ MAIRT DÉ CÉADAOIN DÉARDAOIN DÉ H-AOINE DÉ SATHAIRN SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Oct 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Seisiún - Set Dancing Nov Plough and Stars Céilí dancing Set Dancing UICC for class Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale Plough & Stars Seisiún w/ live music Plough and Stars
2 3 CCÉ Meeting 4 5 6 7 8 Seisiún - Céilí dancing UICC 7:30pm Set Dancing Song Seisiún Plough and Stars Starry Plough Set Dancing Plough & Stars Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale w/ Shannon Céilí Band Seisiún Plough and Stars
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Céilí dancing Set Dancing Set Dancing Set Dancing CCÉ West Region Meeting Seisiún - Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale UICC for class Bronsan Dance Studio UICC 1-3pm Plough and Stars Seisiún Plough & Stars San Anselmo CCÉ West Region Céilí Plough and Stars w/ Tipsy House UICC 8-11pm w/ live music
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Seisiún - Céilí dancing Set Dancing Set Dancing Plough and Stars Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale UICC for class Song Seisiún Plough & Stars Plough and Stars w/ Emperor Norton Céilí Band
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Seisiún - Céilí dancing Set Dancing Happy Thanksgiving Set Dancing Plough and Stars Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale No Set Dancing Bronsan Dance Studio Seisiún - San Anselmo Plough and Stars
CO-CHAIRPERSON: Michael Duffy ([email protected]) CO- CHAIRPERSON: MICHAEL RIEMER ([email protected]) (510) 548-4727 PUBLIC RELATIONS: JOSEPHINE BROGAN ([email protected]) (415) 681-4803 SECRETARY/REGISTRAR: JOANNIE O’LEARY ([email protected]) (415) 664-6579 TREASURER: MAUREEN MURPHY ([email protected]) (415) 661-0351 TREORAÍ NA GAEILGE: NIKKI RAGSDALE ([email protected]) WEBMASTER: MICHAEL DUFFY ([email protected]) NEWSLETTER EDITOR: TIM SULLIVAN ([email protected]) YOUTH OFFICER: Ceri Garfield NOLLAIG 2014 DÉ DOMHNAIGH DÉ LUAN DÉ MAIRT DÉ CÉADAOIN DÉARDAOIN DÉ H-AOINE DÉ SATHAIRN SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Nov 30 Dec 1 CCÉ Meeting 2 3 4 5 6 Seisiún Céilí dancing UICC 7:30pm Set Dancing Song Seisiún Plough and Stars Starry Plough Set Dancing Plough & Stars Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale w/ Shannon Céilí Band Seisiún - Plough and Stars 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Christmas Céilí Céilí dancing Set Dancing Set Dancing UICC 8-11pm Starry Plough Set Dancing UICC for class Bronsan Dance Studio w/ live music Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale Plough & Stars San Anselmo Seisiún Seisiún - w/ Emperor Norton Plough and Stars Plough and Stars Céilí Band 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Seisiún Céilí dancing Set Dancing Set Dancing Plough and Stars Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale UICC for class Seisiún Plough & Stars Plough and Stars w/ Tipsy House
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Seisiún Céilí dancing Set Dancing Merry Christmas Wren Boys Plough and Stars Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale No Set Dancing Murphy’s House Seisiún Plough and Stars
28 29 30 31 Jan 1 2 3 Seisiún Céilí dancing Set Dancing Happy New Year Plough and Stars Starry Plough Lilly Mac’s, Sunnyvale No Set Dancing Seisiún Plough and Stars
Plough and Stars - 116 Clement Ave. (Between 2nd and 3rd), San Francisco, (415) 751-1122 theploughandstars.com UICC - United Irish Cultural Center - 2700 45th Ave. (At Sloat Blvd.), San Francisco, (415) 661-2700 www.irishcentersf.org Lilly Mac’s - 187 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale (between Washington and Evelyn Aves) (408)732-0200 www.lillymacs.com You can also visit the following website for events: Starry Plough - 3101 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley (510) 841-2082 starryploughpub.com San Francisco CCÉ - Cooley-Keegan Branch - sf.ccewest.org Brosnan School of Irish Dance - 11 Belle Avenue, Suite B, San Anselmo, Ca 94960 brosnanschool.com Set Dancing .Mondays: • Starry Plough in Berkeley: Céilí dancing on Mondays. Lessons from 7-9pm Dancing to live music from 9-11pm. Contact: John Slaymaker.
Tuesdays: • Lilly Mac’s in Sunnyvale. Lessons: 7:30pm; Dance to live music 8-10pm. $5 suggested to support the live music.
1st Thursday: Plough and Stars in San Francisco at 8pm. Music by the Shannon Céilí Band. $5 suggested to support the live music.
2nd through last Thursdays: • Lessons at the United Irish Cultural Center (UICC) in San Francisco at 7:30pm in the bar area. Taped music. • Plough and Stars in San Francisco at 9:30pm. Live traditional music featuring Tipsy House, Emperor Norton Céilí Band and other fine bands. Dancers are encouraged to contribute $5 to support the live music.
2nd and 4th Fridays: • Brosnan School of Irish Dance in San Anselmo: From 7-9pm. There is a $5 charge for this class. Contact: Mary McDonagh ([email protected]) or Micheal Minihane ([email protected])
Seisiún
Seisiún: - Sundays and Tuesdays starting at 8:30 at the Plough and Stars, various hosts.
Song and Storytelling Seisiún: Held on the first Friday of each month, See Song and Storytelling section for details.
Cooley-Keegan Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann P.O. Box 16244 San Francisco, CA 94116
Samhain / Nollaig 2014 Scéal Eile Address Correction Requested
COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ ÉIREANN THE COOLEY-KEEGAN BRANCH
CHRISTMAS CÉILÍ
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF MUSIC, SINGING AND DANCING
WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2014
WHERE: UNITED IRISH CULTURAL CENTER 2700 45th Avenue/Sloat Blvd, San Francisco
TIME: 7.00 PM TO 10 PM
LIVE MUSIC: Live Traditional Music
ADMISSION: Adults: $10.00. Children: FREE
For Information, contact Josephine Brogan (415) 681-4803 or [email protected]
Please visit our website at : http://sf.ccewest.org
West Region Annual Meeting/Seisiún/Dinner/Céilí San Francisco Cooley-Keegan Branch, The Pugent Sound Branch and the Phoenix Irish Arts Branch
Everybody Welcome!
Saturday, November 15th 2014 (United Irish Cultural Center, 2700, 45th Avenue/Sloat Blvd., San Francisco)
Schedule: West Region Meeting: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm As always we invite and encourage all members to attend the meeting.
Informal Music/Song Session in the UICC bar area 5.00 pm - 8.00 pm Traditional Irish Music, singer friendly. Come along, pull up a chair, join in, and enjoy!
Céilí: 8.00 pm – 11.00 pm (St. Francis Room) bring treats to share at our pot luck dessert table
Music by : Miliosa & Richard Lundy and Friends
Admission—Adults: $10.00, Teens 12–18: $5.00 Children under 12 accompanied by an adult: free
The UICC restaurant will be open for dinner from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Please note that reservations are required. Call the UICC at 415-661-2700, ext. 100, to make your reservations.
For more information, please contact Josephine Brogan at: [email protected] or 415-681-4803 or Joannie O’Leary at [email protected] or 415-664-6579